Many industries’ day-to-day operations rely on industrial hoses. Whether they’re used to transport oil, chemicals, food, water, air, or bulk materials, it’s critical to ensure that they’re in working order. Each usage necessitates a unique sort of hose, therefore it’s essential to make sure your hose has the appropriate features for the material it will work with as well as the environmental pressures it will be exposed to.
Hoses, like any other equipment, have a limited lifespan. A hose’s lifespan is determined by several factors and is tough to predict. As a result, it’s better to have a system of inspection and/or testing in place to identify hose assembly issues before they become problems during usage. You may avoid many safety concerns and other serious consequences by testing and inspecting your hose ahead of time before it fails while being used for its application.
Visual Inspection of Hoses
The user may perform this inspection on a daily basis as part of routine operations. Examine for cracks, cuts, abrasion, or revealed reinforcement. Look for weeping or leaking areas in the hose as well. When any of the preceding indicators are present in the hose, it should be removed from service immediately.
Critical Application Hose Testing and Inspection
Hoses that are used for chemical applications should be hydrostatically tested on a regular basis to detect issues before they become serious. NAHAD has established testing pressure and duration standards. For most purposes, hoses are checked to the assembly’s specified working pressure for five minutes. Hoses that exhibit leaking, swelling, or other indications of deterioration should be removed from service and replaced.
Continuity Testing
Cables that are made of metal, plastic, or rubber contain chemicals, gasoline, and other dry materials that need an electrical connection between the end fittings and the length of hose to avoid static build-up in the system during operation. Typically, when connecting a wire helix or static wire inside the hose to the couplings, it is checked for continuity with an ohm meter. Hoses where static buildup might be a problem should be tested to ensure there is still communication from coupling to coupling while the hose is under pressure.
Here at Harrison Hose and Tubing, our knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you might have on hose, tubing, and their applications. Contact us today and learn more!
